By: Edir Coronado
On Friday July 8th Peruvians took to the street in celebration of their 195th independence day in Union Township. The Peruvian community was elated to receive the hospitality of the townspeople. “We felt the warm welcome of the Township of Union, represented by Mayor Figueiredo and his staff,” expressed Luis Palomino, President of the Peruvians for Progress, a non-profit organization founded in 2000. Their goal is to unify professionals with Peruvian American citizens in Union County in order to integrate the Peruvian community.
The Peruvian population in the United States has been rising, with New Jersey holding the third largest amount of Peruvians in terms of population, according to a Cuny Graduate Center study, Peruvians in the United States, published in 2010. Within New Jersey, Union County is the region with the third largest amount of Peruvians, according to the Department of Labor, New Jersey. “We heard the Peruvian community in Union is growing, we do not have the numbers, but what we know is that we want them to participate in our communities more actively,” stated Palomino.
The significance of Union Township and its elected representatives welcoming the Peruvian parade and its Peruvian citizens, is key to the Peruvians for Progress vision. Peruvians for Progress first takes the initiative of linking local governments with the Peruvian community. The plan is that with this newfound recognition from the local administration, it could energize those of Peruvian heritage to actively participate in the whole community.
There are big plans in the works for the Peruvian residents, spearheaded by Peruvians for Progress such as a possible mentorship program, where college students volunteer to help guide high school students through their journey to higher education and a Christmas party for younger kids, catered with scrumptious Peruvian food. This is in addition to a scholarship offered through the non-profit organization.
Often different groups of diverse backgrounds feel isolated, but Peruvians for Progress was formed to mend those issues among the Peruvian people. Although Peruvians for Progress represents one group they have a larger amalgamating message, “We are strong believers that union creates strength,” stated Palomino.
